How to Style Short Hair

Co-authored by Shun Pittman

Last Updated: April 20, 2022

Having short hair means foregoing typical long styles like braiding or updos, but that doesn't mean you don't have a variety of hip and beautiful style options. Make the most of your short haircut by learning how to style it in several different ways.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Creating a Sleek Look

1
Shampoo your hair. Use a shampoo made with natural ingredients that won't cause your hair to frizz up. Condition as usual, then use a soft towel to pat the excess moisture from your hair.
2
Add a straightening product. Apply a smoothing serum to your hair from the roots to the tips. You can use a product especially made for straightening hair or simply an anti-frizz serum or gel.

Advertisement
3
Part your hair. The straight, sleek style looks best when your hair is parted on one side or the other, rather than straight down the middle. Use a comb to part your hair smooth it down in the correct direction.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
4
Dry your hair. Use a blow dryer and a paddle or Denman brush to blow your hair dry and smooth. Use the brush to pick your hair up at the roots, then run the brush through your hair as you dry it. Continue until all of your hair is completely dry.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
- Don't hold the hair dryer too close to your head or you could burn or scorch your hair.
- The nozzle attachment is best for a smoother sleeker finish.
5
Use a straightening iron. Heat up and iron and use it to touch up areas that you weren't able to completely straighten with the blow dryer. Concentrate on a uniform technique from the scalp area to the end.
6
Sweep your hair across your forehead. This style looks pretty when the bangs are swept to the side opposite from the part. Use your finger or the end of a comb to move the tips of your bangs across your forehead.
7
Finish the look. Hold it in place with a few squirts of hairspray. Add barrettes, a headband, or a hair clip for a festive final touch.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Getting a Tousled 'Do

1
Shampoo your hair. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual to prepare it for the wavy, tousled look. Use products that add body and volume to your hair, rather than shampoo and conditioner designed for straightening hair. Pat the moisture from your hair with a towel when you're finished.
2
Blow dry your hair with a hair. If you have fine to medium hair that's straight or wavy, it's best if you use a diffuser for this look. This device diffuses the flow of hot air so that it preserves your hair's natural curls and waves. If you don't have a diffuser, use the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer to thoroughly dry your hair.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.}
3
Use a texturizing spray. Salt-based sprays work well for this purpose - they give layers of hair a "piecey," textured look. If you don't have texturizing spray, you can make your own by mixing salt and water. Spray it all over your hair and use your fingers to scrunch the tips.
4
Style your hair with pomade. Rub a small amount of pomade between your hands, then run your hands through your hair. Smooth the top of your hair forward from back to front, then sweep your bangs to one side of the other. Smooth it down in the back and on the sides.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Going for Spikes

1
Start with dry hair. This method works a little better when your hair is freshly washed.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.} If you need to, use dry shampoo to freshen up your hair.
- If your hair is already dirty, you'll have more resistance when you apply the products.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Shun Pittman
  Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
  Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.}
2
Grab a section of hair and apply gel. Squirt some extra-strength gel onto your hand and run it up the section of hair from the roots to the tips. Hold it in place for a moment to make sure it stays spiked.
- You could also gradually build up gel pomade or wax on your hair.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Shun Pittman
  Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
  Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.}
3
Continue spiking your hair. Grab a section of hair at a time and apply the gel in the same way. Make the spikes even, or alternate smaller spikes with larger ones. Continue until you've made as many spikes as you desire.
4
Help it set. For extra hold, spray the spikes with some hair spray before you go about your day. Wearing a headband could also help to hold them in place.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Slicking it Back

1
Start with dry, unwashed hair. Since this style requires holding your hair in place against its natural grain, you'll want to start with hair that has a little natural oil distributed throughout to help hold it in place. Otherwise, your hair will want to flop forward.
2
Comb your hair back. Use a comb to comb it away from your face and straight toward the back of your head. Then insert the comb at the roots and lift your hair from your head without pulling the comb through. This adds a little volume to the slicked back style.
- For a super slicked look, skip the volume-adding technique and simply comb your hair back as close to your scalp as possible.
- For a less severe look, part your hair on one side and slick it around the front and then back, rather than combing straight back from the forehead.
3
Spray it with hairspray. Use maximum-hold spray to hold the style in place. Be sure to apply plenty to the sides, front, and top of your hair, the part that will tend to move out of place after a few hours.
- Consider wearing a headband to keep your hair from coming forward if yours tends to come loose from hairspray.
- You can also pin your bangs back with barrettes to keep the slicked back style in place.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using Hair Accessories

1
Use clips, bows, ribbons, and headbands.
- Clips can give your hair dimension and style. Try pulling your hair back and adding butterfly or flower shaped clips.
- Bows and ribbons can make your hair look shiny and pretty especially if it is a large bow at the back of your hair.
- Headbands can be so pretty on short hair and make your hair look fuller if pulled all the way back. Also ones with flowers, bows, and so on on them can add height to the headband.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I make my hair grow longer?

Community Answer

Eat a well-balanced diet, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Staying healthy will help your hair grow.
Question

Is there a way to curl hair with plaits when you have a bob?

Community Answer

Put your hair in little buns at the top of your head (no donuts required) and sleep with them. Your hair will be curly in the morning.
Question

What is the purpose of not washing your hair?

Community Answer

It can help retain the natural oils and not strip it